Advertisement

Katie Ledecky smashes world record while Michael Phelps wins individual gold

American teen wonder breaks her own mark in the 400m free at the Pan Pacific championships as 18-Olympic champion triumphs in men's 100m butterfly final

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Katie Ledecky looks at the scoreboard as she breaks the world record in the women's 400m freestyle at the Pan Pacific championships. Photo: AP

Katie Ledecky smashed another world record as Michael Phelps won his first individual gold medal post-retirement at the Pan Pacific Championships in Australia on Saturday.

Advertisement

American wonder teen Ledecky set the first world record of the Gold Coast meet, shaving almost half a second off the 400-metres freestyle mark she set at this month’s US Championships.

It’s a great feeling. It never really gets old. I knew I could be right where I was at nationals, or slightly better. I’m really pleased with that
Katie Ledecky

The 17-year-old schoolgirl clocked three minutes 58.37 seconds to eclipse her previous mark by 0.49sec.

“It’s a great feeling. It never really gets old,” Ledecky said of her latest world record-breaking swim.

“I knew I could be right where I was at nationals, or slightly better. I’m really pleased with that.”

Advertisement
Michael Phelps grabbed his first individual gold medal at the Pan Pacific championships after winning the men's 100m butterfly. Photo: EPA
Michael Phelps grabbed his first individual gold medal at the Pan Pacific championships after winning the men's 100m butterfly. Photo: EPA

While it was Ledecky’s fourth gold medal of the championship, it was Olympic legend Phelps’s second win but first individual gold in taking out the 100m butterfly from rival teammate Ryan Lochte.

loading
Advertisement